Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

We have pursued and reviewed a number of cases involving leaking underground storage tanks, all over the State of Alabama. Thousands of storage tanks containing gasoline, oil and other potentially toxic substances are buried near gas stations throughout the state of Alabama. Over time, these underground storage tanks can erode and develop leaks. When these containers leak, petroleum contaminants will eventually filter through the soil and into groundwater. Groundwater is water that lies below the soil surface and fills the pore spaces in and around rock, sand, gravel and other organic materials.

The EPA estimates that approximately 81% of community water systems in the United States are dependent on groundwater. In Alabama, it is quite common for residential homeowners living in rural areas to get all of their drinking water from a private well.

Some of the contaminants commonly found in water supplies affected by leaking underground storage tanks include MTBE, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene. Many of these substances are classified as "known human carcinogens" by state and federal regulatory agencies. In addition, prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to central nervous system damage, respiratory illnesses, kidney disease, liver dysfunction and blood disorders.

Most underground storage tanks in Alabama are located at gasoline stations. Individuals who may be impacted by a leaking underground storage tank might include: 1) persons living on down-gradient properties near a spill site; 2) business owners whose commercial properties are located near the sites; 3) nearby residents who obtain their water from impacted public or private wells; and, in some cases, 4) the owner of the retail gas station if the underground storage tank at the station is owned, maintained or installed by another party, such as an oil distributor.

We are committed to investigate and pursue the claims of individuals and business owners affected by leaking underground storage tanks.

What can I do?

Protection of people and their property from large corporate polluters is our top priority. A unique feature of our growing environmental/toxic tort practice is the ability to represent a large number of people harmed either physically or by damage to their property.

Environmental litigation poses unique legal challenges because of the complex scientific and technical issues frequently addressed, and because of the overlapping authority of numerous administrative agencies and courts at the local, state, and federal levels.

We have worked hard to gain a nation-wide reputation in environmental litigation, often referred to as "toxic torts." These are difficult cases, but we are fighting to make a difference.

If you or a loved one is in need of a environmental attorney, contact us today for a free legal consultation.